IIASA will co-host a session with the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa under the title, People, planet, and possibility: systems science meets journalism for wellbeing, at the 2025 World Conference of Science Journalists in Pretoria, South Africa.
The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) will take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa from 1-5 December 2025, with the theme, Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience.
The interactive IIASA-NRF session will take place at 10:45 on Thursday, 4 December. The program was produced by IIASA Liaison and Partnership Officer, Monika Bauer, and will be presented and moderated by Journalist in Residence, Lisa Palmer, in collaboration with Sepo Hachigonta, NRF Executive Manager: Strategic Partnerships, Networking and Resources, and Puleng Tshitlho, Senior Specialist: Knowledge and Institutional Networks in the Business Advancement unit of the NRF.
The session will bring together journalists and researchers to explore how systems science can support wellbeing for people and planet using a speed-networking format where journalists will engage with scientists working in Africa on climate resilience, population dynamics, sustainable development, and social equity. These short, focused exchanges will allow participants to discover new story leads, deepen their understanding of systems thinking, and build global networks of trusted sources.
Rather than presenting research, this format fosters organic dialogue, trust-building, and idea generation. Journalists can explore fresh story angles, find diverse expert sources, and develop a better understanding of systems science - an approach that considers how environmental, economic, and social factors interact. For scientists, the session offers a chance to learn how journalists think and what kinds of narratives resonate with the public.
Participating scientists include:
- Nokuthula Mchunu, NRF
- Puleng Tshitlho, NRF
- Itumeleng Moroenyane, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University
- Daniel Mtai Mwanga, African Population and Health Research Center
- Madeleine Ramantswana, Agricultural Research Council
- Nokubonga Makhanya, University of Johannesburg
- Londiwe Mabuza, Agricultural Research Council
- Illa Carrillo Rodriguez, International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
- Nozipho Madzivha, UNISA
- Xoliswa Dyosiba, University of Pretoria
- Prince Obinna Njoku, University of Johannesburg
Visit the conference website for further info
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